With The Sims 4 now free to download and new players facing the tough decision of which packs (if any) to buy, Simmer simsigga decided to test a big question: Can you still have fun in the base game, with no mods, no CC, and no DLC?
The answer might surprise you.
Starting Fresh – No Packs, No Mods, No CC
After uninstalling hundreds of dollars worth of DLC and removing all custom content, simsigga jumped into a completely vanilla save.
First impressions:
- Create-a-Sim still holds up well, with diverse customization options and inclusivity updates like hearing aids.
- While hairstyles and clothing have improved since launch, many items still feel very 2010s.
- Despite the limited catalog, she was able to create a charming Sim—Prince Craven, a lazy, cheerful glutton with dreams of being a Master Chef.
Building with Just the Base Game
Choosing Oasis Springs, she bulldozed a lot to test base game build mode.
Findings:
- The pared-down catalog actually made building feel simpler and more cohesive.
- Enough options exist to make attractive, functional homes without relying on packs.
- Performance was noticeably smoother without DLC or mods—frame rates improved and loading felt faster.
Everyday Gameplay – Jobs, Dates, and Social Life
Prince entered the Business career (a base game track) and worked on skills with the classic telescope. Along the way:
- Met townies like Tia Benson for some romance attempts (not very successful).
- Discovered the Gallery is packed with base-game-only builds and households, perfect for upgrading EA’s default lots.
- Socializing still felt lively and intuitive, even without expansion features.
Family Gameplay – The Science Baby Experiment
Wanting to test family play, simsigga had Prince use the science baby option (available without Growing Together) to welcome his son, King.
Infant gameplay observations:
- Cute interactions like cuddling, rocking, showing off the baby, and sharing baby pictures are all base game.
- Decorating a nursery was easy with the default catalog—toddlers and kids have plenty of fun base game furniture.
- However, infant gameplay is more limited without Growing Together. There are fewer milestones, traits, and family dynamics.
Aging Up – Toddlers Are Stronger in Base Game
After aging King to a toddler, simsigga found:
- Most toddler activities and skills are already included in the base game.
- The Toddler Stuff pack adds more variety, but isn’t essential for satisfying toddler gameplay.
The Verdict – Base Game in 2025
After several in-game days, her conclusion was clear:
“Honestly, I don’t feel like you need any packs to storytell in this game. With a little creativity, the base game is solid—especially for free.”
Pros:
- Strong Create-a-Sim tools
- Fun, functional build mode
- Stable performance without DLC
- Plenty of social and family gameplay basics
Cons:
- CAS fashion is dated
- Infants feel underdeveloped without Growing Together
- Limited variety in certain build/buy categories
Final Score: ⭐ 7.5/10
A surprisingly cozy, complete experience—perfect for new players or veterans looking for a stripped-back challenge.
💬 What do you think? Could you enjoy The Sims 4 without a single pack, or is DLC essential for your playstyle?
For more Sims 4 challenges, gameplay experiments, and pack reviews, visit Sims4Life.
Source: simsigga
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the science baby feature in the base game?
Yes—while Growing Together expands family play, the science baby option is available in the base game.
Can you play infants without Growing Together?
Yes, but their activities and development are more limited.
Are toddlers fully functional in the base game?
Absolutely—toddlers can walk, talk, play, and build skills without extra packs.
Does the base game include all careers?
No, but it has several solid tracks like Business, Culinary, and Painter, plus freelance options.
Is building satisfying without packs?
Yes—the catalog is smaller, but that can make creating cohesive builds easier, especially for new players.
